Notes: Tutorial requires decent knowledge of photoshop.
Done at the request of Imp~
So, you want to give a try at screenshot editing, eh? Well, you're probably going to need a few things...
....besides a computer, of course.
I would highly recommend using software that allows the use of layers. They are key in the way I will be trying to help you edit pictures. :]
We will be working in Photoshop CS4, so I apologize if some things don't apply to the program you are using!
Also, I'm explaining the way I edit screenshots. You are obviously more than welcome to add your own unique touches to the things you edit~ <3
So let's get started!
~1 : Collecting Pictures
First off, you're going to want to get good quality screenshots. In this technique, we will be shooting images of our subject and the background in separate files. What you want to do here, in order to get the best quality, is dip into the endless forest folder. Now, if you know where your screenshots are stored, then you're half way there.
Warning: Please avoid messing with game files unless you know what you are doing. Erasing or experimenting with certain files could corrupt your game!
Renaming the following files will put your game into 'first person' mode.
This way, you can get closeups of not only the landscape, but deer as well.
The animation below explains how to do this:
Removing the "0" from the file name will reset your game back to normal.
So go ahead and take some fancy pictures! You will need a background and subject for this, so choose wisely!
Try to avoid taking pictures with other things blocking your subject, like grass or trees. Large antlers can also sometimes prove a hassle!
~2 : Combining
So here are the images we will be working with:
Subject:
Background:
Go ahead and copy your subject on a new layer onto the background.
Using the eraser tool / magic wand, erase out everything but the subject.
This may take some time, especially if your subject has crazy antlers!
Something looks funny here, though!
Our subject here is literally floating in front of the grass!
So go ahead and position Mr. Durr over here to blend with the background better.
(I cropped some of the background out to better the composition.)
But wait! Mr. Durr is still floating!
~3 : Lighting
Go ahead and pick where you want your light source to be.
I'm going for an eerie, low sort of light that will cast large shadows and create contrast.
And, while I seldom encourage the use of the "burn" and "dodge" tools and photoshop, sometimes it's what you need to get the job done!
If you don't know about layer styles, then go ahead and opt for setting the burn & dodge tool to "Highlights" and tweaking them to around 40% or so.
Then add in some lighting!
"But he looks kinda shiny!" You might say.
Well yes, yes he does! We'll fix that!
So go ahead and select the smudge tool with a high percentage and soft brush, and just go ahead and add some fur to Mr. Durr here.
You may also choose to use a lower opacity soft brush with a lighter color to
also add in the fur with. Remember, he's Mr. Durr, not Mr. Statue!
We're not done yet, though!
~4 : Focusfocusfocus
Remember how we have a background layer AND a subject layer?
Well here is where it comes super handy!
Take out the blur tool, and set it to a soft brush at 100%.
Switch over to the background layer.
Now, assuming it's the subject that is in focus, begin blurring the background.
Make sure that the things farthest away are the most blurred! You may have to go over it a few times~!
Sometimes you might have to blur out some of your subject to complete the 'focusing' effect.
Note: You don't always need to use the blur tool,
but it can have a pretty cool look to it!
Not done yet! Keep on truckin' though, we're almost there!
~5 : Colors and Gradients
Go ahead and create a new layer.
Now step back and look at your picture. What sort of mood are you setting?
Looks like Mr. Durr is emo-ing about the forest, so I'm going to use some darker colors.
On that new layer, put down a gradient with some contrast in it.
Now you can scroll through the layer styles on the right and find the effect that suits yer' fancy.
Fiddling with the opacity can help create subtle, yet powerful effects.
Almost done!
~6: Final Touches
We're going to adjust the color a little bit more.
Save, if you haven't already, and flatten your entire image.
(Combine the layers)
Bring up the levels menu, and play with the sliders until you get a look you're happy with!
And voila!
Edited and ready for sharing! :]
Please tell me if something is unclear or needs further detailing/editing!
And thanks for reading~ <3
Awesome tutorial! I'm going
Very cute tut ^^
iluverymuch♥
I have ALWAYS wondered how
Thank you so much for sharing.
Oooo This is very useful!
XD Bawww! Thank you for this!
But I hope it didn't but you out to do this. X3
/tracking!! Thank you so so
Great tutorial! I'm
Tracked.
tracketh
tracketh
tracklazors this is lovely,
this is lovely, thank you so much <3
Thank you so much for this,
I shall have to take a look
Woah this will come in handy!
Awesome tutorial... Thank you
This is amazing! 8D *Shall be
Really nice tutorial! I have
This is great!
Brilliant tutorial, I shall
Thankyou so muuuuch.
I'mma so have to try this one day. *Bookmarks*
~ Tracky
Thank you ! ^^ Your tutorial is really awesome
EDIT : maybe that I look stupid, but if I change the camera, I can't take my deer XD How do ?
Avatar by Awentia, signature by Wildflowerdeer
Omigosh omigosh! Thank YOUUU~
Need to play with this naow...
Tracking. o;
Can I add this into my
I want to bookmark this...
I used it. But I'm still not
Goodness, what an incredible
Goodness, what an incredible response! I don't know how to react, just....pfft. Thank you, everyone!
I'm so relieved that the community seems to like my silly tutorial! I hope it proves useful to you, and if you have any questions or need further detail, please don't hesitate to ask!
I apologize that I can't reply to each of your comments individually, truly, but I will try to answer the most pressing comments like questions and such the like.
My most sincerest apologies for not being able to address everyone, it is rather overwhelming. I wish I could thank you all though, goodness. Thankyouthankyou~! <3
I truly hope I could provide at least a little help to each of you!
@Solaya- That is because you are seeing what your deer is seeing. If you want a tutorial on how to do close ups of your own deer, click here! Pega has provided a wonderful guide on how to do this~! This way, you don't even need to edit game files in order to get closeups!
@Ravynn- Of course! You don't need to ask. :] I'm glad you find my silly tutorial decent enough to put it there, nonetheless~ <3 It's an honor!
@Imp- ...!!!
I sha'll be sure to check it out! ...thank YOU for such kind words~!
... Thank you very much.
Ouu~. This is lovely. Thank
Shimmyshimmy > Yes yes, I
Avatar by Awentia, signature by Wildflowerdeer
track~
OHMAI~!!! @u@ I've always
By Leuvr ♥
tracking
Ah-ha! I finally found this!
Tracktracktracktrack
Aahh I admire so badly your
Tracks. ^^
Tracking this
This is awesome. O-O
Awesome (:
Ohhhh onononming
Thanks!
-nom-
This may come in handy some
*places a track*
/picks it up and nails it to
tracking Great Tutorial!